“How do I find clients?” is the most asked question I receive from designers looking to grow their businesses. My answer? Instead of searching for your dream clients, let’s think about what you can do to help them find you.
Too often, as designers, we focus all of our energy on the design aspect of our business, while we neglect the marketing side. But the marketing side is incredibly important to create a sustainable business.
This article is here to help you position yourself as the go-to expert to help your customers reach the highest level in their business. You’ll be able to do so by getting crystal clear on who your ideal client is, where they consume content, and how you can solve their pain points.
Now grab a pen and paper, and get ready to brainstorm some clever solutions to market your business to your ideal audience!
Identify.
When you’re an online business, you know it’s essential for your survival to be visible in front of the right audience. But if you don’t know your ideal client that well, how can you expect to attract the right clients?
In this section, we’ll be getting crystal clear on who exactly your dream client is.
Answer these questions:
Who are they?
What do they do?
How do they like to consume media?
Where are they hanging out online? And what are they doing there?
Where do they want to be in five years?
You might think you already have a faint idea of your ideal client, but you need to know everything about them. Try to clearly picture what this person would look like sitting in front of you at a coffee shop.
Your mission.
I’m going to let you in on a secret. Ready?
Your dream clients are already searching for you.
You need to let them know you are “the one.”
In this section, we’re going to identify all of the pieces that make you a perfect fit for your ideal clients.
Answer these questions:
What is your brand’s mission?
What sets your business apart from your competitors?
What is your ideal client struggling with the most?
What is causing them struggles in their day-to-day life?
What is something that you can help them with immediately?
People don’t like to struggle. They want to overcome their struggles as quickly and painlessly as possible. They want relief from their current obstacle. So when you clearly present a no-brainer solution to their biggest problems, they’re motivated to trust you and eventually purchase from you.
Attract.
Now that we understand your client’s deepest needs and your unique value proposition, let’s seal the deal.
Answer these questions:
Based on where your ideal client currently hangs out online, which platforms will you use to market your business?
Which communities (Facebook groups, podcasts, etc.) are your ideal clients engaging with? How can you also engage with these communities?
What type of content can you create that answers your ideal client’s questions?
Your dream clients are out there.
If you’ve been looking to be selective on vetting potential clients, work with clients who light your fire and make you excited to hop on to your laptop, then you are in the right place.
Download the (totally free!) Attract Your Dream Clients Workbook and learn how to identify, cater to, and attract your dream client in a few simple steps. Basically we’re covering everything you need to know (and then some!)
